Halloween Trends for 2025
We take a look at creative trends to expect this Halloween, including gothic romanticism/witchcore, botanical/floaral elements, quilted patchwork ghosts and neon colors.
“Color You Can Hold”: Why Artists Love the Playful Power of Polymer Clay
Once considered a children’s craft material, polymer clay has evolved into a respected art medium embraced by jewelry designers, sculptors, and fine artists. Its versatility, affordability, and vibrant color possibilities make it a favorite among creatives seeking freedom to experiment. In this feature, writer Roberta G. Wax explores how polymer clay artists such as Adriana Allen, Michelle Butler, and Dr. Ron Lehocky are pushing the medium’s boundaries—from intricate floral earrings to heart-shaped pins that have raised thousands for charity. Discover how polymer clay’s accessibility and expressive potential continue to inspire a thriving global community of makers and collectors.
“Color You Can Hold”: Why Artists Love the Playful Power of Polymer Clay
Once considered a children’s craft material, polymer clay has evolved into a respected art medium embraced by jewelry designers, sculptors, and fine artists. Its versatility, affordability, and vibrant color possibilities make it a favorite among creatives seeking freedom to experiment. In this feature, writer Roberta G. Wax explores how polymer clay artists such as Adriana Allen, Michelle Butler, and Dr. Ron Lehocky are pushing the medium’s boundaries—from intricate floral earrings to heart-shaped pins that have raised thousands for charity. Discover how polymer clay’s accessibility and expressive potential continue to inspire a thriving global community of makers and collectors.
The Smithsonian Honors a Century of Making at the State Fair
What makes something art or craft? Gwen Bortner explores this question through State Fairs: Growing American Craft at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, celebrating generations of makers whose work blurs the line between artistry, skill, and tradition.
The Smithsonian Honors a Century of Making at the State Fair
What makes something art or craft? Gwen Bortner explores this question through State Fairs: Growing American Craft at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, celebrating generations of makers whose work blurs the line between artistry, skill, and tradition.
Sewing Patterns Rise from DGA Bankruptcy Ashes
After months of uncertainty, the “Big 4” sewing pattern brands — Simplicity, McCall’s, Vogue, and Butterick — have been saved. Rubelmann Capital and longtime Simplicity executive Abbie Small are leading a relaunch of the historic pattern company, preserving jobs, archives, and the last U.S. tissue pattern presses while modernizing for a digital future.
Sewing Patterns Rise from DGA Bankruptcy Ashes
After months of uncertainty, the “Big 4” sewing pattern brands — Simplicity, McCall’s, Vogue, and Butterick — have been saved. Rubelmann Capital and longtime Simplicity executive Abbie Small are leading a relaunch of the historic pattern company, preserving jobs, archives, and the last U.S. tissue pattern presses while modernizing for a digital future.
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Cincinnati’s Sew Valley Proves Ethical Fashion Can Thrive at Home
Discover Sew Valley, Cincinnati’s sustainable apparel hub offering manufacturing, training, and support for fashion entrepreneurs and small-batch designers.
Scholarships Available for Brick-and-Mortar Shop Owners to Attend h+h americas 2026
Craft Industry Alliance and h+h americas are proud to be offering scholarships for brick-and-mortar retailers to attend h+h americas 2026.
Craft Industry Supply Chains Under Pressure Amid Tariff Shake-Up
The U.S. tariff landscape is shifting, making countries like Pakistan a new manufacturing powerhouse while India faces tough new realities.
From Pricing to Packaging: The Secrets to Successful Craft Kits
Discover what makes craft kits successful—from pricing and packaging to instructions and user experience—based on insights from leading kit makers.
The Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands Have Been Sold
The Big 4 legacy sewing pattern brands have been sold to Rubelmann Capital in partnership with existing management and led by Abbie Small.
How Detroit Dye House Turned Tie-Dye Into a Thriving Community Hub
Detroit Dye House began as a tie dye business and today is a thriving place where community is made, stress is relieved, and joy is shared.
Junk Journaling is Having a Moment
Junk journaling is the creative, low-cost hobby of turning everyday ephemera into meaningful journals. From memory-keeping to stress relief, it’s gaining mainstream attention. Learn why this analog craft resonates today and how workshops, books, and community events are fueling its popularity.
PatternCon Debuts in Charlotte, Uniting 250 Sewing Enthusiasts for Two Days of Learning and Community
The inaugural PatternCon was held in Charlotte, NC where 250 attendees gathered for 2 days to share their passion for sewing patterns.
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Building Financial Stability in Uncertain Times
Economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behavior create uncertainty. Here’s how to stay financially stable.
What’s New in Craft: Bonnets
Bonnets are turning heads. In our latest installment of our trend series, What’s New in Craft, we take a closer look at this unique fashion accessory.
How to Convert Members of a Free Facebook Group into Paying Customers
Turn your free Facebook Group into a revenue-generating asset with proven strategies from Stitchcraft Marketing. Learn how to engage members, offer exclusive perks, and guide them toward becoming paying customers.
Vacuum and Sewing Dealers Association (VDTA/SDTA) Shuts Down Amid Declining Attendance and Unpaid Bills
VDTA/SDTA has abruptly and without warning shut down this week after a February trade show with low attendance. Instructors who taught at the show have not been paid.
Inside IG Design Group Americas’ Bankruptcy
The owner of the Big 4 sewing pattern makers was spun off from its U.K. parent company in May and is now being sold at liquidation.
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winners
We are very excited to announce the 10 small business winners of our 2025 Craft Industry Alliance scholarship.
AI for Small Business Marketing: Your Essential Guide
Learn the basics of AI and how to apply them in your business. Use these AI prompts specific to small business owners.
A Craft Buffet for Everyone: Crafteraunt Serves Up Creativity Without the Cleanup
Crafteraunt is a Northfield, NJ-based “Craftaurant” where guests of all ages can walk in and enjoy a rotating menu of hands-on projects—no setup, no cleanup. With seasonal crafts, wellness DIYs, and take-home kits, it’s creativity made easy and fun.
How Private Equity is Reshaping the Crafts Industry
Many of the recent shakeups in the craft world were instigated by private equity investors. A new book explains their motivations.
Sewing Machine Project Collects and Distributes Sewing Machines to Groups in Need
The Sewing Machine Project is a non-profit based in Monona, Wisconsin, that collects and distributes sewing machines to people in need.
Substack Offers Craft Businesses More Than Just a Newsletter
Crafters are turning Substack newsletters into paid income streams. Learn how creators like Jennifer Perkins transitioned from free to paid content—and what to consider first.
From a Kharkiv Garage to a WorldWide Supplier: What it Takes to Operate a Business in Ukraine
For Abris Art, a bead embroidery and cross stitch design company based in Kharkiv, their world turned upside-down overnight due to the war in Ukraine.